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Article source: http://www.askcolman.com/. Used with authors permission.
Houses for sale by owner, also known as FSBOs, are a unique case in real estate investment. Buying from an uninformed seller who thought he knew enough to handle everything by himself can be frustrating. It can also be very profitable if you are prepared.
Why do people try to sell a house on their own? Only one primary reason comes to mind: To save the sales commission. Of course they usually underestimate the cost and complexity of going it alone. They end up frustrated and tired of the process, ready to drop the price and be done with it. Help them solve their problems, and your reward can be a good price on a good investment. Keep the following in mind:
1. An owner isnt an agent. Dont ask possibly offensive questions. Dont make negative comments about the house. Whether you like it or not, the truth is that its difficult to get a good deal if the seller doesnt like you.
2. Houses for sale by owner have often been on the market a long time. The seller is usually tired of the process, and wants it to be done. In other words, youll get a better price if you are willing to close quickly and easily.
3. FSBO sellers usually think theyre being smart. Encourage that belief and theyll be more open to your offer. When they have a good idea, tell them so. It is not unethical to make people feel good about themselves when negotiating.
4. They usually dont have a plan for where to close, where to buy a title policy, where to keep a good faith deposit, etc. Be ready with simple solutions to all these problems. Walk them through the process while letting them feel in control, and youll both be happier.
5. They have often spent more than they anticipated. Advertising and other costs have already eaten into their imagined extra FSBO profit. Be generous in negotiating any pre-close expenses - as long as you get your price and/or terms.
6. Pass over problems and return to them later. Once a seller has invested more time in a negotiation, hell be more inclined to give you what you want.
Professionals will tell you that most houses for sale by owner net less than those sold by an agent. Its too late for the seller to recover his money and time spent, however, so he usually just wants to get the thing sold as easily and quickly as possible. Help him with that, and you can get a good real estate investment at a good price. Steve Gillman has invested real estate for years. To learn more, and to see a photo of a beautiful house he and his wife bought for $17,500, visit http://www.HousesUnderFiftyThousand.com
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